CASINO PROPOSAL: Warren County Leaders Unveil Plans

Some Warren County residents say they’re ready to take the gamble on bringing new business to the area.

Wednesday afternoon backers of the proposal to put a casino in the county outlined their plans. They say it will bring jobs to the area and boost the economy.

The proposed location for the casino is between the Southwest Connector and Highway 28. Norwalk city leaders say one of the main draws is that it would be right off Highway 5.

While the casino is the centerpiece, the project would also include a 150 room hotel, an entertainment center and a bowling center, all that comes with an estimated price tag between $100 and 125 million.

Norwalk’s mayor says it would create more than 600 new jobs as well as an additional 250 just for construction.

Currently Warren County leaders say the area is 80 percent residential and only 20 percent commercial, and they think that needs to change.

Channel 13’s Krystle Kacner spoke with residents, the majority say they like the idea of growing the area with a project like this, but they still have a few questions before they will sign off on the plan.

The casino is still in the proposal stage and backers will need 2,600 signatures in order to get the project on the ballot in May. Other cities have tried and failed to win a casino, but Norwalk says their effort will be different.

The state racing and gaming commission also has a say in whether the casino will be built. They have not announced if they will issue new casino licenses.